Wydad Casablanca Coach Rhulani Mokwena Rejects Termination Offer, Targets Guardiola’s Manchester City

Despite growing calls for his dismissal following a series of inconsistent results in the domestic league, Rhulani Mokwena has made it clear that he is not stepping down from his role as Wydad Casablanca head coach.

Club's Efforts to Part Ways

Reports suggest that Wydad Casablanca’s president, Hicham Ait Menna, met with Mokwena in an attempt to agree on a mutual contract termination. The club is hesitant to satisfy the South African tactician's demand for full pay for the final two years of his three-year contract, therefore he rejected the offer.

Mokwena's Ambition: A Chance to Face Pep Guardiola

• Mokwena’s ambition is centered on leading Wydad to the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, where the Moroccan giants are set to face top clubs like Manchester City, Juventus, and Al Ain.
• Pep Guardiola, Mokwena’s coaching idol, serves as the primary motivation behind his decision to stay. Mokwena sees this as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to challenge Guardiola’s team and has decided to stay until then before considering any possible exit.

Frustration After Derby Draw

• Following the 1-1 draw against Raja Casablanca in the highly anticipated Casablanca Derby, Mokwena expressed his frustration with the critics.
• "We started well but lost focus after the goal," Mokwena said. "If this result is seen as failure, then maybe my definition of failure is different. I’m here to finish the season."

Mokwena Fires Back at Critics

The Wydad boss also fired back at critics questioning his team selections, especially regarding Bouhra’s involvement in matches.

"When I don’t play Bouhra, I’m asked why. When I play him, it’s criticized too. I’m the coach, I make the decisions. I’ve had enough of this debate."

Mokwena also revealed that he left social media to avoid the constant pressure:

"With 5 million fans, I can’t listen to everyone. My job’s to follow my convictions because, in defeat, I’m the one who must face the media and the players."

Mokwena’s future at Wydad Casablanca hangs in the balance as he continues to navigate the pressures from fans and the club while aiming for success on the international stage.